I AM THRILLED ABOUT ... GODS WONDERFUL WORD
September 3, 2000 AM
Sermon Outline
Ps 119:47
INTRO: The B-I-B-L-E. Yes thats the book for me ... So sing our children in their earliest years of Bible school. For me, nothing changed as I have enjoyed years as an adult. The Bible is still the book for me. One of the great joys of preaching has been the time I have been permitted to spend with the Bible. Over the years I have read other books ... interesting, inspirational, informational. But only one book has commanded so much of my attention. I am thrilled with Gods wonderful word.
I IT ...
A. Counsels me
1. a counselor should be a wise advisor
2. Ps 119:24
3. in any quandary it has Gods advice to offer - but one must spend time knowing, appreciating
B. Reproves me
1. which of us does not at times need correction?
2. Prov 15:32 and 2 Tim 3:16 reproof/correction
3. more than a few times have I been reading, studying in a quiet time and found myself being corrected by what Ive been reading (Prov 3:11,12)
C. Encourages me
1. life as a Christian is counter culture - is a high calling ( Phil 3:14)
2. so, Heb 11:13 and 12:1-4
3. they lived counter to their culture and did it without encouragement of the church, the written word, the cross, etc. - surely, I can, too!
D. Calms me
1. so many questions; frustrations; disappointments
2. illustration: Jno 14:1-3 with Ps 46:10
3. reading scripture is so engrossing - but coming across promise, certainties stills the storms
II IT ...
A. Is perfect in its message
1. Ps 18:7 perfect - without blemish
2. in all of its detail I have never had cause for uncertainty ... its history; its reference to natural law; its prophecy and fulfillment ... all reassure for their integrity
3. its unity of purpose is without glitch - 1 Pet 1:22-25
B. Is a companion in every situation
1. its message, comfort, counsel is always available
2. it goes with me to every place - it is always available as I call on it for the moments need
3. 2 Tim 3:16,17 heres why I need its companionship
C. Is a mine of wisdom I can never exhaust
1. I seldom read it that I do not find another gem
2. Ps 139:17,18 ...how great is the sum of them ....
3. the more one reads, studies, the more connections seem to be made ... the more lights come on
III IT ...
A. Reveals my Makers purpose for me
1. oh, not, the mundane which so many people seek
2. Eph 2:1-7 life through/with Jesus
3. Phil 1:27 life that is becoming (1 Cor 6:19,20)
B. Reveals my lifestyle ...
1. as husband, father, friend, servant, etc.
2. the great principles governing life in Christ are clearly revealed and can be applied by a willing mind
3. so, Eph 5:15-17
C. Reveals my hope - Ps 73:24
CLOSE: If, in my life, I can have brought some of the joy and thrill of the word of God to others, I will feel my life has been worthwhile.
Cecil A. Hutson
03 September 2000